Palo Alto Networks Rolls Out PAN-OS 8.0 Update

Jeff Lefkowitz, director of engineering at Fivesky, a New York-based Palo Alto Networks partner, said the software updates around client-less VPN connection, Traps integration and NetFlow monitoring for the PA-7000 Series, in particular, are enhancements that stand out in the PAN-OS 8.0 update. He said those updates would all help him better manage and correlate threat data, as well as direct traffic through web access gateways and firewalls for better security.

Lefkowitz also highlighted what Palo Alto Networks was launching around command and control inspection as a key addition for his customers. He said integrating those services together with the WildFire platform is going to be “really attractive” because it will provide more in-depth analysis of malware and network traffic.

Finally, Lefkowitz said the new hardware updates for both on-premises and virtual appliances would be key as customers demand higher-performance solutions to keep pace with increasing amounts of data and traffic.

“It’s a fantastic situation to be able to sell these devices into more customers because customers want to do this type of segmentation to enhance security. They need these devices to perform … The hardware improvements are really going to be nice,” Lefkowitz said.

Mong said the launches across the entire portfolio is an essential piece of Palo Alto Networks’ strategy, as it looks to build on its security platform across the board. He said a platform that can provide best-of-breed visibility, attack surface reduction and known and unknown threat prevention is critical for success in today’s security landscape.

“We believe that you have to have a platform approach to doing [security] well and you have to be the best in every single [category]. That’s what we’re doing at Palo Alto Networks,” Mong said.

Fivesky Managing Member Luanne Tierney said this platform approach is key for partners like Fivesky to position solutions to clients. She said a platform approach allows Fivesky to be more valuable to its clients.

“We’re excited to be Palo Alto Networks partner because this makes us a better partner to our customers,” Tierney said. “We do like how they are allowing us to position a true platform, a true security solution, instead of having all these disparate pieces